Class 3: Flammable Liquids

General Information:

Defined as a liquid or a mixture of liquids, with a flash point of not more than 60°C. Class 3 Flammable Liquids are substances that can easily ignite and burn when exposed to a spark, flame or heat source. They are commonly used as fuels, solvents and industrial chemicals.

A Flashpoint is the lowest temperature at which a liquid gives off enough flammable vapour to form an ignitable mixture with the air. Think of it like this:

• Some liquids don't give off flammable vapours until they get pretty hot.
• Other liquids give off vapours easily, even at colder temperatures, those are more dangerous.

Main Hazards:

• May be poisonous/toxic or may produce toxic vapour.
• Will burn readily.
• May cause dizziness, suffocation or have narcotic effects.
• May produce an explosive mixture with air.
• May be corrosive to paints and plastics.

Examples:

• Gasoline (Petrol) as common motor fuel.
• Kerosene as fuel for heaters and lamps.
• Methylated spirits as a cleaning solvent.
• Acetone in nail polish remover and paint thinners.
• Methanol used as an industrial solvent.
• Ethanol found in hand sanitisers and disinfectants.